Des Moines prohibits aggressive panhandling under Ch. 70, banning threatening conduct, blocking pedestrians, and solicitation near ATMs, while protecting passive panhandling as constitutional speech.
The Des Moines aggressive solicitation ordinance bars threatening or intimidating begging conduct, including following someone, blocking the path, touching without consent, or using profane language. Solicitation is also prohibited within 10 feet of ATMs, bus stops, outdoor seating, and parking-meter pay stations. After-dark solicitation is restricted on public streets. Passive panhandling such as holding a sign without confronting people remains protected speech under the First Amendment, consistent with 8th Circuit precedent. DSMPD typically issues warnings before citations, prioritizing diversion to social services.
Simple misdemeanor under Ch. 60, fines up to $625, jail up to 30 days, and trespass orders for repeat offenders in business districts.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Chapter 60 (Housing) requires reasonable property maintenance and could ...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Chapter 48 (Noise) standards could theoretically apply to overnight blow...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed primarily by HOA and cond...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines requires building permits for permanent outdoor kitchen installations with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs under Chapt...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no smoker-specific ordinance. Open burning is regulated under Chapter 70 (Fire Prevention) and Iowa Code 100B with cooking-fire exemptions. Io...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Fire Code under Chapter 26, Article XII adopts the International Fire Code (IFC). IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas tank...
See how Des Moines's aggressive panhandling rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.